Abstract
Background: Aloe-emodin is an anthraquinone with potential pharmacological properties, including numerous antitumor properties. The purpose of the study was to determine whether aloe-emodin induces mitotic death in cervical cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Analysis of morphological changes as surrogate mitotic death indicators in HeLa cells was carried out using optical, fluorescence and electron microscopy. Viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Results: Aloe-emodin increased the number of multinucleate cells, giant and micronuclear cells. There was a concentration-dependent decrease in the mitotic index with a predominance of cells in the metaphase of the mitotic process and inhibition of division in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The presence of cells with abnormal mitosis and cells with injury to the division spindle was also demonstrated. Conclusion: Aloe-emodin induces mitotic catastrophe in cervical cancer cells.
- Received January 24, 2018.
- Revision received February 16, 2018.
- Accepted February 23, 2018.
- Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved